Page 2 - This is a discussion on Back to Books: The Theory of Poker (Sklansky) within the online poker forums, in the Learning Poker section; I read The Theory of Poker by David Sklansky several years ago. Other than the fundamental theorem of poker (simplified: playing the hand as perfectly

The more ways a player's hand can improve to the best hand, the more reason to consider semi-bluff betting. Semi-bluffing adds equity to a hand due to the possibility of the opponent folding to the semi-bluff. When there is no chance that the opponent will fold the value of the semi-bluff becomes questionable.

When a player uses a semi-bluff they hope to...

win immediately (same as a pure bluff, the preference is that the opponent folds)

when called, outdraw the opponent to make the winning hand

Semi-bluffing out of position is more correct because if in position a player can often receive a free card (when the opponent doesn't bet). Semi-bluffing on early betting rounds can disguise cards on later streets to look harmless (when they have made the player a big hand) or scary (when the visible cards are monsters but the players hand isn't helped much). Semi-bluffing supports the aggressive precept that it is better to bet than call.

A player should consider a semi-bluff when...

there are more cards to come

it will work as a bluff and the opponent will fold

there is a strong chance the player's (your) hand will improve to be the best hand

when in first position (you can't assure yourself a free card)

A player should NOT consider a semi-bluff when...

a player (you) is sure that the opponent will call

when last to act, especially in multi-way pots. TAKE THE FREE CARD to avoid being check-raised with a strong hand (that was slow-playing)

#38

June 10th, 2018, 12:59 AM

FailX21 [145]

Poker at: PokerStars

Game: Holdhem

Interesting, up until now I didn't really give any though about the position when semi-bluffing, but it's a good point. I will definitely read this again tomorrow before I start playing, to make sure I think about it while playing.

Once again, thanks for this post, it really helps !

#39

June 10th, 2018, 6:30 AM

scubed [359]

Originally Posted by FailX21

Interesting, up until now I didn't really give any though about the position when semi-bluffing, but it's a good point.

I agree - I didn't explicitly consider position when semi-bluffing. In the past I have been more focused on my cards and how they relate to the board and pulled the semi-bluff. Tonight, I tried to be more mindful of my position. If you have the book -- read the chapter, there are some great examples.

Originally Posted by FailX21

Once again, thanks for this post, it really helps !

You're welcome! I am learning so much doing this work. The post has A LOT of reads (more than a thousand) but you are the one engaging in replies/responses consistently. I really appreciate your interaction... it helps me keep doing this good work.

Cheers!

#40

June 13th, 2018, 2:20 PM

scubed [359]

Chapter 12: Defense Against the Semi-Bluff

The Theory Of Poker, David SklanskyChapter 12: Defense Against the Semi-Bluff

A semi-bluff is very hard to defend against. When the pot is small and the opponent is semi-bluffing it might be correct to fold, especially in "coin-flip" scenarios, the other alternative is to raise. When the pot is large and the opponent is semi-bluffing calling is almost always correct.

When an opponent semi-bluffs take into consideration the three ways he can win...

The opponent may already have the best hand when he bet

The opponent may be semi-bluffing and then subsequently outdraws you

The opponent may be semi-bluffing and catches scare cards that force you to fold

With small pots when a player has a hand worth calling a possible semi-bluff, in most cases he should raise. Calling is not a defense against a semi-bluff. In fact, it might lead to more problems (your opponent might make his hand). In raising a player might get an opponent who is semi-bluffing to fold. The two main defenses against a semi-bluff are folding and raising.

Calling might be correct when...

the pot is large

when you intend to bet when a "bad card" comes for the opponent you suspected of semi-bluffing

when you plan to semi-bluff on the next street (delayed semi-bluff)

When defending the semi-bluff and folding is not the correct play, then a player should raise.

#41

July 2nd, 2018, 11:12 PM

braveslice [1,972]

Online Poker at: Pokerstars

Game: 6max zoom

subbed

#42

July 5th, 2018, 12:48 AM

CGreen [39]

Game: Hold'em

Thanks for this thread, scubed! This is a great idea! I have this book as well and can read along!

#43

July 9th, 2018, 9:45 PM

scubed [359]

Chapter 13: Raising

The Theory Of Poker, David SklanskyChapter 13: Raising

Raising is often a better alternative than folding, with calling the worst of the three options (scenario occurs frequently in multiway pots). In Chapter 13 Sklansky breaks down the main reasons for raising.

Raise to build a pot. This is typically when a player believes he has the best hand and wants to get more money in the middle.

Raise to drive out opponents. This is when a player makes the pot odds NOT favorable for the opponent to get him to fold (if the opponent calls he is making a mistake).

Raise to bluff (no chance to win) or semi-bluff (chance to catch a card). This is when a player raises in hopes of taking the pot down immediately.

Raise to get a free card. This situation occurs when a player is last to act and believes that the raise will be cheaper because in the next round the opponent might check to him (give the player a free card).

Raise to gain information. This play should not be attempted often - a player should not raise solely to get information - the player should raise for other reasons with a benefit being information.

Raise to drive out worse hands when a player (you) likely has the second best hand. This situation occurs in multiway pots where THE POT IS BIG and a raise can get the third/fourth/fifth best hands to fold which will increase the odds that the second best hand will win.

Raise to drive out better hands when a player (you) has a drawing hand. This situation occurs in multiway pots where a raise can get the opponents (except the drawing hand) to fold and increase the chances that the player's hand will hold up.

The main lesson is do not be afraid to raise! Raise to win pots when the act of raising aligns with strategic, financial, or mathematical considerations.

#44

July 10th, 2018, 3:09 PM

Maikychan [215]

Poker at: Pokerstars

Game: NL Hold'em

Thank you so much for the thread, scubed!!

Unfortunately I haven't yet had the opportunity to read this book, but I'm already jotting down all these summaries here in my notepad!

Now I'll do my best to put the concepts into practice!

Continue with this great thread and if you could, you could make other threads like this, but with different books...

#45

July 11th, 2018, 6:47 PM

scubed [359]

Chapter 14: Check Raising

The Theory Of Poker, David SklanskyChapter 14: Check Raising

Check-raising is checking a players (your) hand with the intention of raising after an opponent bets.

When attempting a check-raise a player must consider...

The strength of his hand

The likelihood that an opponent who acts behind will bet

The position of the opponent who will probably bet

In multiway pots it is frequently correct to check-raise with a second-best hand if this action will drive opponents out.

#46

July 16th, 2018, 5:38 PM

ray05 [1]

Poker at: acr

Game: holdem

Best sites or books to learn

Hello, I'm sure it has been asked before, what are the best ways to learn better poker without spending a bunch of money for someone fairly new to poker. I have been watching a lot on youtube. thank you.

#47

July 16th, 2018, 5:50 PM

Mikeloti13 [312]

Online Poker at: Pokerstars

Game: Holdem

Here you can learn everything. But also continue to watch videos on youtube. Watch previous big tournaments and learn from the best. Also there are a lot of channels teaching poker for free so there you go.

#48

July 16th, 2018, 8:49 PM

m0t22 [299]

Poker at: PokerStars

Game: Holdem

I'm following !!!
I separated the content until then reflect and make comments later !!

GL TO EVERYBODY !!

#49

July 20th, 2018, 12:27 AM

scubed [359]

Chapter 15: Slowplaying

The Theory Of Poker, David SklanskyChapter 15: Slowplaying

The reason to slowplay is to show a larger profit on a strong (not the nuts, but a great hand) hand than a player would otherwise gain if betting on early rounds.

Do not slowplay when...

The player (your) hand strength is obvious

The pot is large

A free (or cheap) card has a chance to give the opponent a better hand than the players (yours)

A free (or cheap) card has a chance to give the opponent a justifiable draw (opponent continues with proper odds)

Slowplay when all of the following are true...

The player (you) have a very strong hand

The free (cheap) card the player (your) gives opponents a good possibility of the second best hand

The free (cheap) card must not give the opponent a draw to a better hand than the players (yours)

The player (you) must be sure that the opponents will be driven out by aggression - but if the opponents are not driven out the player (you) has a good chance of winning a big pot

The pot must NOT be very large

Slowplaying is best when a player has a strong hand, the opponent has a second strong hand (drawing dead).

#50

July 23rd, 2018, 1:59 PM

FailX21 [145]

Poker at: PokerStars

Game: Holdhem

Once again, thanks for this post !

I would add that in chapter 13, you have to be careful about whether you are raising to build a pot (1.) or raising to drive out opponents (2.) . It's important to know if you are raising for value or to protect your hand and are scared that one (or more) opponent will improve his hand on future streets.

#51

August 15th, 2018, 8:44 PM

scubed [359]

Chapter 16: Loose and Tight Play

The Theory Of Poker, David SklanskyChapter 16: Loose and Tight Play

It is critical to adjust play according to the game and according to the individual players in the game. In a loose game bluff less, bet for value more. In a tight game bluff more, bet for value less.

Play loose if opponents are playing tight. Play tight if opponents are playing loose. This is especially true with semi-bluffs.

The following comparisons illustrate different characteristics of a type of game OR type of opponent in a game so that adjustments our approach the can be considered:

Comparing Semi-Bluffs...

Normal games - Semi-bluffs have a positive expectation because there are three ways to win: making opponents fold immediately, catching a scare card to make opponents fold, or make the best hand

Loose Games - Semi-bluffs no longer have a positive expectation because loose players rarely fold immediately & often will call a semi-buff on a scare card. This means the only way to win is by making the best hand.

Tight Games - Semi-bluffs increase in value because opponents are likely to fold

Comparing legitimate hands...

Normal games - Players typically play hands that are stronger in value

Loose Games - Players typically play hands that are lower in value (lower than in normal or tight games).

Tight Games - Strong hands are not as valuable because anyone entering the pot also has a strong hand

Comparing drawing (come) hands...

Normal games - Continue when the pot odds are favorable, fold when the pot odds are not favorable

Loose Games - Drawing hands increase in value, especially in multiway pots so a player should consider playing more of them

Tight Games - Continue only if the pot odds are favorable with the expectation that if you hit, you probably won't get paid off by a tight player

#52

August 19th, 2018, 8:49 PM

scubed [359]

Chapter 17: Position

The Theory Of Poker, David SklanskyChapter 17: Position

In all poker variations acting last is best because in acting last a player has the most information to make a decision (opponents have already acted). Acting first is the worst position because the least amount of information is available. As a player when you have last position you should make the most of it.

Advantages of last position....

End the action means no fear of a raise behind

Can flat or raise when a bet from early position is made

Can bet when checked to from early position

Can get a free card when checked to from early position

Can slowplay a monster hand

More hands are playable

Threats to last position...

Check-raise from an opponent in early position

Advantages of first position...

Check-raising opportunity

Betting out and then re-raising (3betting) to a raise (2bet)

Drive players out by raising (2betting) a raise (1bet) from last position

Threats to first position....

Checking a big hand hoping an opponent in last position will bet - but the opponent doesn't bet (takes the free card)

Bet out with a calling hand and get raised by opponent in last position

#53

August 20th, 2018, 3:00 PM

kowrip [140]

Game: NL Holdem

Originally Posted by scubed

[/LIST]I have not performed deep analysis of my poker records to determine "if" I am successful winning bigger pots when I slow-play. That said, I personally can remember a ton of times that slow-playing a big hand got me into trouble, sometimes got me pot committed and busted out!

Do you feel that you are more successful winning big pots by slow-playing big hands? Do you have any data (that you are willing to share) about your poker hands to back up your feeling?

I personally do not care very much for slow-playing. I would rather raise pre-flop and then c-bet no matter how I hit the flop. Slow playing is counter productive in a lot of cases because you don't get more money into the pot by checking. Also, a pre-flop raise followed by a check on the flop can raise suspicion. I tend to only slow play if I flop extremely strong with almost no chance of being out drawn and there are very aggressive players in the hand with me. Otherwise, I think sticking to a pre-flop raising range and then usually (not always) following with a c-bet is the better play because it keeps your hand strength hidden.

#54

August 20th, 2018, 3:49 PM

Shrops [524]

Poker at: Betonline

Game: Holdem

Yes

I like the book a lot. It's a good read !

#55

August 24th, 2018, 6:52 PM

Maikychan [215]

Online Poker at: Pokerstars

Game: NL Hold'em

Thank you so much for making these summaries about this Sklansky's book, scubed! I'm writing down every chapter here on wordpad!

#56

August 24th, 2018, 9:45 PM

m0t22 [299]

Poker at: PokerStars

Game: Holdem

Keep it up, I'll see if I can find this translated book to buy.

How many chapters?

And you, do you enjoy reading? Did you get new thoughts on moves or strategies?

#57

August 26th, 2018, 5:56 AM

braveslice [1,972]

Online Poker at: Pokerstars

Game: 6max zoom

Originally Posted by scubed

With small pots when a player has a hand worth calling a possible semi-bluff, in most cases he should raise. Calling is not a defense against a semi-bluff.

Chapter 12: Defense Against the Semi-Bluff
This doesn't make sense. We are either behind or coin flipping thus getting it in would be -EV play. Can you open this a bit more scubed?

#58

August 26th, 2018, 10:08 PM

scubed [359]

Originally Posted by braveslice

Chapter 12: Defense Against the Semi-Bluff With small pots when a player has a hand worth calling a possible semi-bluff, in most cases he should raise. Calling is not a defense against a semi-bluff.. This doesn't make sense. We are either behind or coin flipping thus getting it in would be -EV play. Can you open this a bit more scubed?

I think Sklansky's assertion is that the action of flat calling is NOT defending from or resisting attack by your opponent when he is semi-bluffing. Flat calling is taking an approach of "let the hand play itself" (let opponent draw) as opposed to raising which is forcing the opponent to make a decision to continue with their possible semi-bluff.

#59

August 26th, 2018, 10:14 PM

scubed [359]

Originally Posted by m0t22

How many chapters? And you, do you enjoy reading? Did you get new thoughts on moves or strategies?

There are 25 chapters in total. I do enjoy reading; however, I am slow with processing the words so that I truly understand them. I have learned many new thoughts, moves, and strategies. I have also learned some ideas about why some of my existing strategies fail.

I am currently studying the next chapter and will continue posting as I finish my study.

#60

August 29th, 2018, 7:02 PM

m0t22 [299]

Poker at: PokerStars

Game: Holdem

Originally Posted by scubed

There are 25 chapters in total. I do enjoy reading; however, I am slow with processing the words so that I truly understand them. I have learned many new thoughts, moves, and strategies. I have also learned some ideas about why some of my existing strategies fail.

I am currently studying the next chapter and will continue posting as I finish my study.

Of course, all in its natural time.We will not accelerate the process, even though I have been thinking of speeding up the process, but I stopped playing and will continue studying.

Its synthesis is excellent, congratulations. Continue with this initiative!

#61

September 6th, 2018, 11:59 PM

scubed [359]

Chapter 18: Bluffing

The Theory of Poker, David SklanskyChapter 18: Bluffing

Agreeing on the definition of a bluff: A bluff is a bet or a raise with a hand which a player (you) does not think is the best hand. Slansky, The Theory of Poker p.116

Instead of bluffing at the proper frequency, average players bluff too much. When it comes to deception, bluffing is as important as slow-playing. Bluffing is a method to keep opponents guessing.

Correctly bluffs has disguised his hand and will force opponents to make tough decisions some of which will be wrong

Bluffs when there are more cards to come...

Should RARELY be pure bluffs

Should be semi-bluffs so that a player has three ways to win (see post for Chapter 11)

Should be folded when a player is "caught" ( don't try to stick it out, just give up and move on to the next hand)

Bluffs when all the cards are out...

Should NOT bluff if the opponent will call more often than the pot odds you are getting

SHOULD bluff if you think your opponent will fold enough to make a profit

Should NOT bluff against two or more opponents

#62

September 8th, 2018, 12:18 AM

scubed [359]

Chapter 19: Game Theory and Bluffing

The Theory of Poker, David SklanskyChapter 19: Game Theory and Bluffing

Spoiler alert!

Login to see the content!

An optimum bluffing strategy is one where the opponent does badly no matter the decision he makes. This can be achieved when the chances that the player (you) are bluffing are the same as the pot odds your opponent is getting.

Against an opponent who is weaker than you game theory might not be the best strategy; instead, rely on your judgement. Conversely, if you are weaker than your opponent or you do not know your opponent tendencies then leveraging game theory is a good choice.

Steps to use game theory as a tool for bluffing...

Determine your chances of making your hand

Determine the odds your opponent is getting on your bet

Randomly bluff in a way that the odds against your bluffing are identical to your opponents pot odds

Steps to use game theory as a tool for calling a possible bluff (bluff catching)...

Figure out what odds your opponent is getting on his possible bluff

Make the ratio of your calls to your folds exactly the same as the ratio of the pot to your opponent's bet

Randomize the calls

#63

September 8th, 2018, 6:18 PM

scubed [359]

Chapter 20: Inducing and Stopping Bluffs

The Theory of Poker, David SklanskyChapter 20: Inducing and Stopping Bluffs

Do not STOP bluffs by opponents who bluff too much. INDUCE bluffs from opponents who rarely bluff.

Per Sklansky there are two principles that should be obvious... (Sklansky, Theory of Poker, p. 192)

When a player (you) attempts to INDUCE a bluff and the opponent bets, the player (you) should always CALL

When a player (you) attempts to STOP a bluff and the opponent bets, the player (you) should always FOLD

Artificial methods to stop and induce bluffs... (won't work against experienced players)

Reach for chips as though you're anxious to call. If the opponent bets, FOLD

Give the impression you intend to fold your hand. If the opponent bets, CALL

Pretending to be uninterested in the hand

Pretending to be very interested in the hand

Strategic methods to stop and induce bluffs...

When opponent bets then RAISE (suggests strength).

Check - or check behind (suggests weakness) hoping that an opponent bets. WARNING: Be mindful when using this technique as a free card is an opportunity for an opponent to make the best hand.

#64

September 9th, 2018, 5:44 PM

scubed [359]

Chapter 21: Heads-up On The End

The Theory of Poker, David SklanskyChapter 21: Heads-up On The End

Position and hand strength are the conditions that determine how a player (you) acts when heads-up on the end of a hand (most pots come down to 2 remaining players when the last card is dealt).

When a player (you) does NOT have a legitimate hand...

Bluffing on the end is hard to get away with. A player needs to determine whether the attempt has positive expectation.

Bluff-raise is even harder to get away with. After betting, only a strong opponent capable of tough lay downs will fold to a bluff-raise (unless the opponent was also bluffing when he bet)

Most of the time when the opponent bets and the player (you) has nothing, the best strategy is to fold

When a player (you) are in last position...

In last position and the opponent checks to you - it is not required to bet a good hand for value. Consider betting when you are the favorite to win if your opponent calls.

In last position and the opponent bets to you - CALL if your chances of winning are greater than the pot odds

In last position and the opponent bets to you - FOLD if your chances of winning are less than the pot odds

In last position and the opponent bets to you - RAISE if you are are at least a 55% favorite to win the hand (be careful, you might face a re-raise)

When a player (you) are in first position...

As a favorite then BET when your hand is worth a call (or almost worth a call) when your opponent would bet if checked to

As a favorite then CHECK and CALL when your hand is worth a call AND your opponent will bet if checked to

As a favorite then CHECK and FOLD when your hand is not the favorite and your opponent will almost always bet only with a hand that beats yours

As an underdog then sometimes BET makes you less of an underdog then a CHECK would (hint - MUST be thinking long term in this scenario)

CHECK-RAISE works bets against average to good opponents. Try it less often against weak or very strong opponents who likely won't bet when checked to.

#65

September 10th, 2018, 8:28 PM

scubed [359]

Chapter 22: Reading Hands

The Theory of Poker, David SklanskyChapter 22: Reading Hands

Reading hands is an art because it is important for a player (you) to observe and come to know the opponents tendencies. Reading hands is a science because a player must use mathematics and logic to creating ranges.

Reading hands as an art...

Observe opponents behavior and how they play against you

Observe opponents behavior when you are NOT in the hand

Reading hands as a science...

Analyze the meaning of an opponent's check/bet/raise

Analyze the exposed cards to engineer what the hand might be (think combinatorics)

Eliminate possible hands (narrow the range) as the hand develops and is played (again, combinatorics is helpful)

Bayes' Theorem can be used to calculate the probability of an event based on prior knowledge of conditions

Combining the art and the science is what provides a player (you) with the evidence and information to determine the range of hands an opponent might have. Using this information a player (you) can determine if your hand is worth continuing.

#66

September 15th, 2018, 12:32 AM

scubed [359]

Chapter 23: The Psychology of Poker

The Theory of Poker, David SklanskyChapter 23: The Psychology of Poker

The psychology of poker can be confused with "speech play" and other ploys which are not the thought process of poker; but, are instead psychological devices intended to generate a response from opponents (for example, put an opponent on tilt). The psychology of poker is the thought process by which poker is approached.

Categories of levels of thinking...

Level 0: Complete amateur, or maybe someone drunk, the point is that they are NOT thinking

Level 1: Player recognizes "This is my hand." (basic thinking, might include strength and position, but is rudimentary at best)

Level 4: Player asks "What does my opponent think that I think he has?" (complex thinking, very few players are in this category - and even if they are, it is unlikely their opponent is thinking at this level)

Level 5: Player asks "What does my opponent think that I think he think that I have?" (elite thinkers in the game, useless to most average players)

Create a table image and use your table image to get paid off later. A challenge to this strategy is the level at which the opponent is thinking on. The lower the level the opponent things on, the more straightforward hands should be played. The more skilled the opponent is the more deceptive the player can become. When playing against experts, it is often best to stick with a game theory optimal strategy because the levels of thinking become too complex.

#67

September 15th, 2018, 12:56 AM

57noona [663]

Online Poker at: ACR

Game: holdem

Originally Posted by scubed

The Theory of Poker, David SklanskyChapter 04: The Ante Structure

All poker starts as a struggle for the forced bets (blinds and/or antes) without which there would be no reason to play. Players find themselves in trouble when they either play too many hands or too few hands in relation to the size of the forced bet. The amount of the forced bet suggests a general principle of play...

The lower the forced bet, the tighter the play

The higher the forced bet, the looser the play

Do NOT think in terms of the $$ YOU have already put in the pot and make a bad call. It is NOT relevant how much YOU have put in the pot because once the chips are in the pot they NO LONGER BELONG TO YOU (they belong to the pot). It is the TOTAL amount in the pot (thus the current pot odds you are getting to take the action) that matters, not what YOU personally have contributed into the pot.

When the forced bets (blinds and/or antes) are LARGE...

Loosen up your starting hand requirements because: better pot odds, cost is to great to wait for big hands, your opponents are playing weaker starting hands, observant opponents will notice your frequency of playing is too tight and steal (or not give you action)

Try to steal forced bets because: the play has a positive expectation (especially against weak players)

Raise with a good hand because: slow-playing gives proper odds to opponents and you do NOT want to let them in cheaply (many players will call without the odds which is exactly what you want according to The Fundamental Theorem!)

When the forced bets (blinds and/or antes) are SMALL...

Play fewer handswith an exception - when you are better than your opponents play hands with the intention of outplaying your opponent on later rounds (streets)

Steal fewer forced bets; when you do attempt to steal and are called or re-raised (especially by tight players) be prepared to give up

Slow-play big hands to draw people in and build larger pots

Allow aggressive players to "control the game" and have a false sense of security - then pounce on them when you have a big hand (you'll win back the forced bets they have stolen from you and more!)

Call marginal hands only in early rounds (streets) and if your hand doesn't improve, give up (fold) - when the hand does improve the small investment will pay off big

I agree with the large and small parts of the blinds and antes. This is the way to play Tournaments. Later in a Tournament you want to loosen up a little.

#68

September 20th, 2018, 9:32 PM

scubed [359]

Chapter 24: Analysis at the Table

The Theory of Poker, David SklanskyChapter 24: Analysis at the Table

Analyzing a poker situation to decide on the best course of action...

Determine the possible hands that the opponent may hold

Of the possible opponents possible hands determine the likelihood that he holds each hand

Decide what the best play is against each of the opponent's possible hands

Pick the action that is correct the majority of the time

Consider a decision with two options where it might be best to take Option 2 even though it is the less favored play because it's consequences are not as bad

Option 1: Favored play but with terrible bad consequences when it is wrong

Option 2: Less favored play but with slightly bad consequences when it is wrong

An example when a decision like this might come up in NLHE is a scenario where a player has been dealt QQ. Preflop the player with QQ bets out (2bet) and is re-raised (3bet) by an opponent for a very large amount of the player's stack. The player puts his opponent on a range of AA (6 combos), KK (6 combos), AK (16 combos) where the opponent's most likely holding is AK. Sure the QQ is ahead of AK pre-flop but there is a 41% chance that an Ace or King will come on the flop. Though the player is mathematically favored pre-flop (so long as the opponent DOES INDEED have AK), the player has to fade an A/K on all streets AND hope that his opponent doesn't already have AA or KK. So this is a case where Option 1 is the favored play, but Option 2 might be the best play

#69

September 22nd, 2018, 1:48 AM

scubed [359]

Chapter 25: Evaluating the Game

The Theory of Poker, David SklanskyChapter 25: Evaluating the Game

Good players evaluate a game before joining.

Reasons for evaluating a game...

Determine if the game is worth playing (i.e. what would the expected hourly rate be?)

Determine how to play in the particular game

Important considerations when evaluating a game....

The structure of the game

The players in the game

Ensure that when you decide to join a game that you have a plan to adjust to the structure of game and also have a plan to adjust to each of the opponents playing styles.

#70

September 25th, 2018, 9:20 PM

braveslice [1,972]

Poker at: Pokerstars

Game: 6max zoom

Originally Posted by scubed

I think Sklansky's assertion is that the action of flat calling is NOT defending from or resisting attack by your opponent when he is semi-bluffing. Flat calling is taking an approach of "let the hand play itself" (let opponent draw) as opposed to raising which is forcing the opponent to make a decision to continue with their possible semi-bluff.

How about the text above: “When the pot is large and the opponent is semi-bluffing calling is almost always correct.” Here is uses term calling, but denies it later.